Malaysia’s revised MM2H ‘more credible, competitive’ amid regional visa race, says new travel agency
KUALA LUMPUR (June 4): Newly established Second Home Plan Sdn Bhd believes the latest revamp of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme offers greater credibility and long-term appeal, especially as regional competitors such as Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam step up their own long-stay visa programmes.
Second Home Plan, which is licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said Malaysia continues to stand out for its multiculturalism, affordability, and political stability—all of which remain top considerations for high-net-worth individuals and lifestyle-driven migrants.
“Our lifestyle is very attractive to many families from markets like China and Taiwan. It’s not just about residency—it’s about education, cultural integration, and quality of life,” said the company’s managing director June Chang Suh Chie (pictured).
Speaking to The Edge after Second Home Plan’s official launch on Wednesday (June 4), Chang said Malaysia offers a “softer, more relaxed environment, access to international schooling, and ease of doing business”—positioning the country favourably against other regional destinations.
She acknowledged that the previous version of MM2H “turned off some potential applicants” due to abrupt policy changes and inconsistent requirements. However, she said the revamped programme, though more selective, has a clearer structure and intent.
“Some say the requirements are high, but it’s not about making it difficult—it’s about protecting our national interests,” said Chang. “It’s a natural filtration system—if someone isn’t prepared to meet a reasonable deposit or long-term housing commitment, they may not be the kind of applicant we want to target.”
There are over 140 MM2H licence holders currently registered, including Second Home Plan, to attract potential participants, according to Chang, though not all are actively operating.
Second Home Plan positions itself as a one-stop relocation platform that supports everything from visa processing to lifestyle integration. It is currently focused on attracting applicants from China, Taiwan, Japan, and the Middle East, with early interest also coming from the UK and the US.
“In Malaysia, people can communicate easily. English is widely spoken, our healthcare is top-notch, and we’re seen as a peaceful, neutral country. These are major pull factors when families are considering uprooting their lives,” Chang said.
Chang owns 60% of Second Home Plan. The other shareholders are the company’s directors Datuk Kenneth Soh Chee Whye (20%) and Chris Chang Yeong Jie (10%), as well as the company’s chairman, Tunku Dr Kamariah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (10%).
Tunku Kamariah is the eldest sister of the King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. She also serves as the non-executive chairman of several public-listed companies, including Zen Tech International Bhd (KL:ZENTECH), AHB Holdings Bhd (KL:AHB), and SMTrack Bhd (KL:SMTRACK).
Chang said the company aims to process up to 300 MM2H applicants by end-2025, supported by a growing network of international agents, associations, and lifestyle service providers.
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Source: EdgeProp.my
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